Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now hovering around 18,000-20,000. This contrasts sharply with its initial peak exceeding 170,000 players. In response to this, Valve has announced a strategic shift in its development approach.
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Previously operating on a bi-weekly update schedule, Valve has determined that this rapid release cycle hindered the proper implementation and testing of changes. Moving forward, major updates will be released on a flexible, non-fixed timeline. This allows for more thorough development and the delivery of more substantial updates, according to the developers. Regular hotfixes will continue to address urgent issues.
While the player count drop is notable, Valve assures players that the game is not in jeopardy. Deadlock remains in early access, with no release date announced. The developer's focus is on creating a high-quality product, mirroring the approach taken with Dota 2's development evolution. The shift in update frequency prioritizes effective development over a rigid schedule, suggesting a long-term commitment to the game's success. The potential impact of Valve's concurrent Half-Life project on Deadlock's timeline remains to be seen.
